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Last season was another write-off, however. A compression of the sciatic nerve in his back, which eventually needed surgery, caused him to miss seven months then, having returned to action, he ruptured a bicep in training which meant another operation.

Now he is training again and determined to contribute to the club's fortunes.

“I’ve been really enjoying being back out there with the boys and not in rehab," he told the Bath Rugby website.

Nathan Catt carries against Bristol

"It was a frustrating time last year, but it’s great being out on the training paddock. I’m now just looking forward to getting back out there at the Rec and contributing to the team.

“For the squad and the supporters, we want to win things. It’s been too long," said the prop who was in the academy when Bath won the European Challenge Cup in 2008.

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"We want to go and get some silverware – it’s easier said than done. To start with, it’s about looking at the processes, the game plan and working hard on our skillsets.”

As well as Catt, long-term injured Semesa Rokoduguni and Sam Underhill are back in training, while Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph are still rehabilitating Achilles and foot injuries respectively.

Nathan Catt receives the Players' Player of the Year award from Sir James Dyson at the 2016/17 Bath Rugby Player Awards, at Bath Pavilion (Image: Merv Clingan)

New signings Will Chudley, Joe Cokanasiga, Alex Davies, Ruaridh McConnochie, Jamie Roberts and Jackson Willison have all started their first pre-season at Farleigh House, as has new attack coach Girvan Dempsey.

Excited Catt, who has 153 first-team appearances to his name, will be competing with Lucas Noguera to be first choice, as Beno Obano will miss most if not all of the season with a knee injury.

Catt added: "Everyone is going to be on the same page and it will give us an extended period of time to train together and put in to practice the goals that we have for the season and the blueprint that we’re going to go with.